Zoning Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $107,616.00 - $144,216.00 Annually
Location : City Hall - 1414 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2526-052
Department: Community Development Department
Opening Date: 07/14/2026
Position Overview
PURPOSE: Under the direction of the Community Development Director, plans, coordinates, and performs building inspection activities to ensure compliance with applicable building, safety, and municipal codes; manages the activities and workload of the Building Division, including directly supervising and evaluating staff; enforces regulations through field inspections and corrective actions; provides technical guidance to staff, contractors, and the public; and supports the administration of inspection services, including scheduling, reporting, and quality control. This position is designated as management and participates in developing policies, implementing Department goals and objectives and City values, and supporting budget development and administration. Performs related duties as assigned.
Duties & Responsibilities
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:
The duties listed below are examples of the work typically performed by the employee in this position. The employee may not be assigned all duties listed and may be assigned duties which are not listed below.

• Inspects residential, commercial, and industrial buildings and structures to determine compliance with the structural, energy, accessibility, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical codes and approved plans and calculations.
• Identifies and enforces a variety of codes, ordinances, and standards for conformance with approved construction plans and specifications.
• Inspects workmanship and materials in building construction for conformance with plans and specifications, and inspects potentially substandard or dangerous buildings.
• Provides informed and skilled technical assistance and advice to architects, engineers, contractors, and homeowners on matters pertaining to building plans, zoning regulations, construction methods, materials, procedures, and building codes.
• Establishes schedules and methods for providing inspection services; identifies resource needs; reviews needs with appropriate management staff; allocates resources accordingly.
• Coordinates inspection functions with inspectors, contractors, developers, plan check staff, and personnel from various other City departments.
• Generates various reports for the Community Development Director regarding the Building Division work activities and workload and maintains various work records related to the development of such reports.
• Assists with budgeting and monitoring assigned budgets.
• Participates in department and project meetings.
• Assists with writing memorandums or staff reports.
• Leads quality assurance and quality control activities.
• Addresses the most difficult customer inquiries and complaints; evaluates and recommends corrective actions to resolve issues; responds to and resolves disputes regarding the interpretation of structural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing codes.
• Issues letters to property owners notifying them of violations; writes stop work orders for work being done without permits or in an unsafe manner; issues administrative citations and works with the City Attorney when needed to bring properties into compliance with the building, fire, or municipal code.
• Stays abreast of inspection disciplines, policies, safety techniques and methods, codes, standards and regulations, applicable laws, and City goals, practices, and policies and ensures work quality and adherence.
• Travels to offsite locations within and outside the City.
• Evaluates work of assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies and administers discipline when necessary.
• Assists in developing policies and staff procedures and division goals and objectives.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

The preceding duties have been provided as examples of the essential types of work performed by positions within this job classification. The City, at its discretion, may add, modify, change, or rescind work assignments as needed.
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination includes:
Education: Equivalent to a high school diploma. An associate's degree with coursework in construction technology, civil or structural engineering, or architecture is desirable.
Experience: Four (4) years of experience inspecting public, commercial, industrial, and residential buildings and facilities.
Licenses/Certifications: Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license and an acceptable driving record are required at the time of appointment and throughout employment.
Special Requirements:

• Must possess and maintain a current Certification as a Combination Inspector from the International Code Council (ICC) or California Association of Building Officials (CALBO). Certifications by other approved model code organizations in the categories indicated may be accepted if determined by the Director to be equivalent.
• Must also possess a PC 832 certificate within six (6) months of employment and a Fire Inspector I certification issued by the Office of the California State Fire Marshal or ICC within one (1) year of employment, and Fire Inspector II certification within three (3) years of employment.
• A Certified Access Specialist (CAS) certification is highly desirable.

Knowledge of:

• Federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to building or public works inspections.
• Building construction methods and materials, including structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems.
• Public works methods and materials, including process facilities and utilities, infrastructure, and rehabilitation.
• Zoning regulations.
• California codes and local laws relating to building construction.
• Proper inspection methods and documentation practices.
• Procedures involved in the enforcement of codes and ordinances.
• Methods and techniques applied to the design and construction of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
• Safety standards and methods of building construction and public works projects.
• Administrative principles and techniques, including budgeting, planning, safety, staff organization, employee growth, and development.
• Principles and practices of supervision.

Ability to:

• Conduct inspections, issue citations, notices, and orders, and pursue compliance for violations.
• Read and interpret building plans and specifications and enforce their application.
• Prepare and present clear oral and written reports.
• Exercise judgment and creativity in analyzing situations, identifying problems, and recommending resolutions.
• Supervise and train others.
• Understand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, contracts, budgets, and labor-management agreements.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Travel to offsite locations within a reasonable timeframe.

Additional Information
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Physical Demands: Active physical work without prolonged heavy exertion. Physical demands include occasional lifting of objects over 25 pounds, combined with bending, twisting, working above ground, or working on irregular surfaces.
Working Conditions: Exposure to unpleasant elements such as dust, fumes, odors, dampness, elevated noise levels, or outside weather conditions on an occasional to frequent basis.
FLSA Status:
Exempt
SELECTION PROCEDURE
This recruitment is to remain open and continuous. The City reserves the right to close this recruitment at any time, with or without notice. Individuals determined to be qualified and best aligned to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process.
HOW TO APPLYTo be considered, please submit an online application, including a cover letter, resume, and proof of education (if qualifying with a degree) in PDF format. Applications that fail to include all necessary documents may be considered incomplete and will not be taken into consideration.
Applications will be reviewed in depth and breadth of experience and for level and relatedness of education. The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in further selection procedures. The selected candidate may be required to undergo a background check and a physical examination prior to appointment. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements, including submission of all required attachments, will not be considered. For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Human Resources at (626) 403-7366.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The City of South Pasadena is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce. The City of South Pasadena intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If a special accommodation is desired, or if you would like to request this information in an alternative format, please call (626) 403-7366.
The City of South Pasadena is committed to creating a workplace where every employee is valued for who they are. Having our workforce reflect the diversity of our community at various levels of the organization is a continuous goal embraced by our departments, management staff, and policymakers. To support efforts of fairness and diversity, City Leadership is committed to incorporating equity and inclusion into our work.
FAIR CHANCE ACT
The City of South Pasadena will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the City of South Pasadena has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns or challenge the accuracy of the background report (for non-public-safety backgrounds). Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting
ABOUT THE CITY
The City of South Pasadena (population 26,047) is a charming community located only eight miles from downtown Los Angeles on the west side of the San Gabriel Valley. South Pasadena is known for its beautiful tree-lined streets, stunning homes, unique small businesses, top-quality schools and a strong commitment to community. South Pasadena is also a full-service city with its own fire, police and water departments.
Occupying 3.44 square miles of flatlands and hillsides, South Pasadena's unique character makes it one of California's most desirable locations. The City has a rich history of intact late 19th and early 20th Century neighborhoods and residences, giving it a strong claim as one of the oldest and most historic sites in the San Gabriel Valley. One of the first suburbs of Los Angeles, South Pasadena maintains small-town quality, with charming residential streetscapes, and a historic commercial core, making it one of Hollywood's favorite suburban filming locations, featured in numerous television and big screen productions.
South Pasadena is frequently recognized as a family and environmentally friendly community. The City enjoys quiet, attractive, walkable neighborhoods and a low crime rate. There are numerous active community organizations in South Pasadena, including the Oneonta Club, WISPPA, South Pasadena Arts Council, AYSO, Little League, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Women's Club, Chamber of Commerce, South Pasadena Preservation Foundation, Holy Family Church, St. James Church, South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, South Pasadena Chinese-American Club, Vecinos and many others. Boasting over 100 acres of parks and playgrounds and more than 21,000 trees, the City's picturesque environment invites residents and visitors to enjoy numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. South Pasadena offers an 18 hole, Par-3 golf course, tennis, racquet and pickleball facilities, horse stables and a dog park all in its picturesque Arroyo Seco area. Small, proud and independent, the City of South Pasadena has preserved its status as a unique community for over a hundred years.
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To receive timely notifications about my application, I understand that I must provide a working email address and phone number on my City application. I understand that all important information regarding my application and the selection process will be sent via email, and it is my responsibility to ensure my email is active, check it regularly, and add info@governmentjobs.com to my contacts to avoid messages being marked as spam. I acknowledge that the City of South Pasadena is not responsible for lost or misdirected emails.

• Yes
• No

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What is your highest level of education achieved?

• High School or GED
• Associates degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree or higher

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Are you currently in possession of a valid Class "C" California Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

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Are you related to, reside with, or have a close personal relationship with any current City employee, elected official, commissioner, or board member?

• Yes
• No

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If you do share any relation to any c